Antonio Testolin
The creative process, for me, is a balance of inspiration intuition, and planning. The inspiration, the most critical, stems from the need to express, indignation with the negative influences that society imposes on the human experience. Social conditions as racism, homophobia, pandemic isolation, culture gentrification, addictions and trauma have been the inspiration of my work. From there, I begin the work, allowing intuition and spontaneity create a direction and or emotion. Hopefully, when finished, it embraces the expression of original intention.
I hope viewers can be inspired to reflect on their own connection to humanity and the world around them. Perhaps serve, even if it is in the most minuet way, a catalyst for empathy, understanding, and positive change. I believe that art has the power to transcend borders, cultures, and ideologies. Ultimately, in some small way, contribute to a more compassionate, inclusive, and just world.
My parents were Italian and raised in Italy until I was seven. I have wonderful memories peering over fountains, touching marble sculptures, the carved figures, drapery, being surprised of how hard and smooth the stone felt. To this day those experiences surprising and unconsciously emerge in the work.
The interest in sculpture started at an early age, developed during my adolescence, and continued through university graduate studies. Working in the following mediums: clay, wax, wood, cast resin, plastics, steel, marble and bronze. It is marble (studied marble carving in Italy) and bronze, that speaks to me most often. I do enjoy the feeling of marble, and its essence of permanence enlivens. When carving, I’m intrigued as to how the stone transforms from rough and jagged surfaces to smooth and polished forms. This is another element of working marble; it connects me to my cultural roots. I love how bronze is so multifaceted; defies the illusion of gravity, range of textures, and color patinas. The scale I works in, is both small 1 to 2 feet to monument public and private commissions over 15 feet tall.
Currently I am exploring sculpting in bronze and incorporating other materials such as wood, marble and stainless steel. I find the contrast of elements fascinating, and I love probing the connections between these materials. I love the permeance of the traditional marble and bronze. In a world becoming more ethereal, experiencing these time enduring materials, can resonate deeper within our human conscience.
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Artist Resume with Exhibition Record
Aqua Nguvu Gallery and Studio, Milwaukee WI. (work on permeant display) 2022-present.
Milwaukee Gallery night (juried) 2023, 2024, and 2025
American Feral Madison (juried show) 2021-24
200 State Madison (juried show) 2021-23
Milwaukee Italian Community Center (3 person show) 2021
Art Fair on the square Madison (juried) circa 1998
Lazzaro Signature Gallery of Fine Art. Stoughton WI. 1992-1998
Large Scale Commission and public art:
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Fissure Project (Junction Road).
Large Scale Public Art Commissions:
“Spirit of Greenbush” City of Madison 2000
“Overcoming Bias”. City of Madison 1998 Madison Public
Awards:
Induction into British Royal Society of Sculptors 1997.
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Education:
UW Madison Masters 1982
UW Whitewater. Undergrad 1978
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